Ford Explorer America Concept
A sign that the era of the truck-oriented body-on-frame SUVs is coming to an end is the Explorer America concept. While the vehicle retains the aggressive looks of an off-roader, with its upright greenhouse and slab sides, the vehicle appears to sit lower than a conventional SUV thanks to its unit-body construction.
In addition to being lighter, the traditional V-8 beneath the hood has given way to a new generation of direct injection turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder engines. The base engine in this new-generation Explorer would be a 2.0-liter four delivering 275 bhp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. In place of the V-8, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 would deliver 340 bhp. Both engines would use a 6-speed automatic transmission. That transmission features auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with the turn of a dial.
Among the Explorer America’s unique features are an onboard navigation system with a topographical map display, a work table with integrated seats that deploys from the tailgate, and stackable, sliding seats that open up additional cargo space.
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Slideshow: Ford Explorer America Concept
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